The inaugural IUSA (Irish University Sailing Association) versus BUSA (British University Sailing Association) team racing regatta took place in the Royal Irish Yacht Club at Dun Laoghaire Harbour on the 15th & 16th of October and was organised by UCD in conjunction with IUSA & BUSA.
The event saw the best nine student helms and best nine student crews from each country fighting for national pride, and IUSA emerged the victor with an impressive scoreline reading 14-7.
The Format
The format of the event was team racing, with each association sending three teams of six to race in fireflies supplied by UCD and Trinity. Teams from the same country did not race each other, meaning racing was exclusively IUSA vs BUSA.
To win a point an association needs to win 2 out of 3 races in a set. Each race in a set had an IUSA team racing a BUSA team; for example, in set 1, IUSA1 vs BUSA1, IUSA2 vs BUSA2, and IUSA3 vs BUSA3. For the next set, the fixtures change, with IUSA 1 vs BUSA2, IUSA2 vs BUSA 3 and IUSA3 vs BUSA1. For the final set, each team races the team they haven't raced, IUSA1 vs BUSA3 and so on. After the third “set” the schedule resets, meaning that three sets make up a full round.
For the final round, each race is worth a point on its own, meaning there are 9 points on offer in the round instead of 3, upping the stakes and keeping racing exciting until the very end. This format of racing means that each association needs depth across all teams; having one or two strong teams does not guarantee success.
BUSA president Emma Hartley presenting Team Ireland co-captains Johnny Durcan (left) and Jack Fahy (middle) with the inaugural IUSA vs BUSA Ride’r Cup trophy
Racing
Racing on Saturday was cut short by a large increase in wind strength which caused half of the 12 boats to capsize in unison, however, teams were still able to get six races each despite the early finish. The RIYC were kind enough to host the sailors, umpires and volunteers on Saturday night for dinner and drinks. On Sunday morning, it was back to business. Racing ran smoothly, with 9 full sets being complete by 2 o’clock and IUSA emerging as the victors.
Volunteers
This event was made possible by the many volunteers, both on the water and off the water. Every single one of the 19 British sailors that came over was hosted by Irish, both by the competitors and by UCD members not competing. Additionally, volunteers manned the finish boat & committee boat as well as photography & result recording. The umpire ribs were manned by Chris Lindsey, Dan Little & Eunice Kennedy.
Defending the trophy
IUSA are already looking forward to defending the trophy. The defence will be sailed in Southampton, England in 2023, and will be hosted by BUSA.
Above: Competitors, umpires & volunteers after Sunday's racing had concluded at the Inaugural Ride’r Cup Team Racing Competition at the Royal Irish, Dun Laoghaire
Team Ireland
IUSA 1
Jack Fahy UCD, Eimear O’Regan TCD, Liam Glynn UCD, Triona Hinkson UCD, Niamh Henry
TUD, Trudy O’Hare TUD
IUSA 2
Toby Hudson-Fowler TCD, Kathy Kelly UCD, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin UCC, Sally O’Flynn UCC,
Rosa Lyden UCC, Mikey Caroll UCC
IUSA 3
Johnny Durcan UCC, Tarah Flemming UCC, Noah McCarth Fisher TCD, Gabby Hogan UCC,
Peter Fagan UCD, Cian Lynch UCD
